In Mali, a New Law Promises Elections, but Not a Return to Civilian Rule

Mali’s National Transitional Council holds a vote on a revised charter in Bamako, Mali, on Feb. 21, 2022.

(FLORENT VERGNES/AFP via Getty Images)

Members of Mali’s National Transitional Council hold a vote in Bamako on Feb. 21, 2022.

In Mali, a new law paving the way for elections could prompt regional powers to ease the harsh sanctions that have crippled the Malian economy since last year's coup, but will also likely deepen the military’s control over the West African country. The Malian military government adopted a new electoral law on June 25 that sets the legislative groundwork for general elections in 2024. The electoral law is the first legal framework for elections passed since the May 2021 military coup that ousted the civilian government. The legislation creates a single election management body to be created and overseen by the executive, simplifying the steps to hold an election.